Tennessee fires head coach Donnie Tyndall amid NCAA investigation

Tennessee announced on Friday that head coach Donnie Tyndall has been fired after one season with the Volunteers. 

The firing was first reported by CBS Sports' Gary Parrish. 

Tyndall is highly likely to be found responsible for serious NCAA violations during his time as the head coach at Southern Mississippi, which is a violation of his employment contract with Tennessee, according to the school's statement.  

In the termination letter, obtained by The Knoxville News-Sentinel, detailing the significant violations with which Tyndall is likely to be charged, it is noted that Tyndall admitted on March 16  that he deleted emails that were the subject of questioning by the NCAA enforcement staff.

Tyndall reportedly had a second meeting with the NCAA over an investigation into potential violations while he was head coach at Southern Mississippi. Tyndall first met with the NCAA in November about potential violations involving impermissible financial aid to players Matt Bingaya and Shadell Millinghaus, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman. 

"It is disappointing that we have to take this action," said Dave Hart, Tennessee's vice chancellor and director of athletics. "It is highly likely that Coach Tyndall will face significant penalties at the conclusion of the NCAA's infractions process. We believe that this decision is in the best interests of the University of Tennessee." 

During Friday morning's press conference, Hart admitted that it was a mistake to hire Tyndall. 

"Knowing what I know now, is that a mistake? Probably," said Hart. "That's a fair statement."

Hired in April 2014, Tyndall spent one season with the Volunteers.